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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Stone Trophy Heads : Atlantic Watershed Basalt Trophy Head
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Atlantic Watershed Basalt Trophy Head - PF.3606
Origin: Eastern Coast of Costa Rica
Circa: 1000
AD
to 1500
AD
Dimensions:
7.5" (19.1cm) high
x 6.25" (15.9cm) wide
x 7.75" (19.7cm) depth
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Basalt
$7,500.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
This basalt stone head with a stoic face carries an
unusual ambience and weight. Although the
head is depicted with simple incision lines, one
cannot escape its poignant sense of presence.
Estranged from the body, the stone head's
almond-shaped eyes and the thin mouth is
closed to create an esoteric mystery. The hair is
rendered in an incised checkered pattern that is
flat on the top. Such stone head is a symbol of
human sacrificial rituals that were common in
Ancient Costa Rica. During this period, people
took trophy heads in battles for human sacrifice
because they believed that such practice was
necessary to maintain the agricultural fertility.
Because of the strong belief in human sacrifice
and pleasing the gods, conquests and wars
became their fight to obtain the perfect victim
for the sacrifice. The unique coiffure suggests
that the sculpture is an image of a specific
individual. Moreover, considering the small size
of the stone head, it could also be a rendition of
a shrunken trophy head. Mesoamericans believed
in their humble position and their duty to offer
the best for God's mercy. The agricultural
prosperity depended upon human sacrificed and
this basalt trophy head well indicates the
people's desire for God's benevolence.
- (PF.3606)
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